10 best solar companies in Ridgecrest, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Ridgecrest, California requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Ridgecrest to help you hire the perfect installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Ridgecrest or opt for a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy allows Ridgecrest homeowners to save around $750 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Ridgecrest
Vet Ridgecrest solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of mutiple bad reviews.
Divine Power USA
Services Offered
SolarShoppers
Services Offered
Oasis Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Simple Power
Services Offered
Solar Negotiators
Services Offered
Solar X Construction
Services Offered
Infinity Energy
Services Offered
Discount Solar Solutions
Services Offered
Peak Power USA
Services Offered
Impact Energy & Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Ridgecrest?
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Ridgecrest, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can reduce your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Ridgecrest
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridgecrest?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Ridgecrest has an average cost of $7,037.
How much can you save by going solar in Ridgecrest?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Ridgecrest from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, Ridgecrest homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Ridgecrest is around 9 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Ridgecrest: Based on numbers that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Ridgecrest homeowners save around $751 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $13,233 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Ridgecrest from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 50 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1250 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all California residents, and others vary based on municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to California residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems and Solar Plus Storage System | 100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment |
PACE Financing Western Riverside Council of Governments - Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program | Eligible products can be financed for up to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the eligible product. Minimum financing: $5,000 The financing may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the market value of the property, up to the first seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the property’s market value, and ten percent (10%) of the remaining value of the Property above seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) minus any PACE assessment on the propertyThe total amount of any annual property taxes and assessments shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the property's fair market value, determined at the time program financing is approved. |
PACE Financing Local Option - Municipal Energy Districts | Locally determined
|
Rebate Program Self-Generation Incentive Program | For projects 30 kW or larger, 50% of incentive will be received up-front; 50% will be received based on actual kWh production over the first 5 years. For projects under 30kW, 100% of the incentive will be paid up front. Incentives will step down over time. See below for incentive amounts. |
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) | See Website |
Feed-in Tariff LADWP - Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Program | $0.17/kWh adjusted by a time of delivery multiplier Base price will step down over time as certain MW goals are met |
Rebate Program California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program | Step 1 Incentive Rates (contact utility to determine current incentive levels): Single Family Residential Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $29.85 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: Funding has been exhausted Commercial/Multifamily Incentives: Systems that displace natural gas: $20.19 per estimated therm displaced Systems that displace electricity or propane: $0.42 per estimated kWh displaced *** Note, funding has been exhausted in this category for SCE and PG&E Solar Pool heating: $5.00 per estimated therm displaced |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Ridgecrest solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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